Ryanair is facing a probe by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) over its policy of charging parents to sit next to their children on flights, a practice the regulator says may breach consumer protection rules.
Investigation Details
According to the BBC, the CMA is investigating Ryanair's "mandatory family seat" charge. The airline’s terms and conditions require a parent to sit with their child if the child is aged between two and 11. Parents must pay for this mandatory seat, which the CMA says typically costs £8 each way.
The regulator is looking at whether Ryanair’s “approach to seat reservations may mean parents are being charged for the airline to meet its child safety and disability‑related obligations as set out under aviation rules.” This raises questions about whether the airline is profiting from a safety requirement.
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Regulator | Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) |
| Airline | Ryanair |
| Issue | Mandatory family seat fee for parents sitting with children aged 2-11 |
| Typical Fee | £8 each way |
| Legal Context | Aviation rules on child safety and disability obligations |
Ryanair has been contacted for comment by the BBC, but as of publication no response was reported. The airline has not publicly addressed the investigation.
Regulatory Context
The CMA, as the UK’s antitrust and consumer protection watchdog, has the power to enforce changes in business practices
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